Cell encapsulation loading device

Abstract

The present invention provides a loading fixture for loading cells, cell clusters, and media to an immune-isolation device. The loading fixture permits the loading of cells into the immune-isolation device without manual manipulation of the immune-isolation device, until the loading device is opened at the point of use, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination of the immune-isolation device.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for loading immune-isolation devices comprising:
 a base having a base bottom surface and a base wall extending from the base bottom surface to form a cavity; 
 an inlet conduit positioned on the base and extending there through into the cavity of the base; 
 a disk lid removably attachable to the base to seal the cavity; and 
 a blade having an edge slidably disposed within the cavity of the base; 
 wherein the edge of the blade is configured to slide in front of the inlet conduit; 
 wherein the system is configured to be vented; 
 wherein the blade is disposed on an end of a blade assembly slidably located in the cavity of the base; and 
 wherein the blade assembly is configured to interact ratchedly with the disk lid. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  further comprising an opening in the disk lid. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the blade assembly includes a first set of teeth and the disk lid includes a second set of teeth, and wherein the first set of teeth interlock with the second set of teeth. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the blade assembly is semi-circular. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a snap lid shaped to be complimentary to the disk lid and containing a plurality of snaps which interlock with at least one feature on the base to secure the disk lid to the base. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one feature comprises ramps extending from the base wall, and wherein the plurality of snaps are generally hooked as to engage the at least one feature. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the disk lid further comprises a plurality of snap holes configured to allow at least some of the plurality of snaps to extend there through before engaging the at least one feature. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1  further comprising a junction block having a first opening and a second opening wherein the first opening and second opening define a channel through the junction block, and wherein the first opening is configured to be coupled to the inlet conduit on an outside portion of the base wall. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the channel comprises a plurality of portions, each of the plurality of portions of the channel having different diameters. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein a third opening intersects a first one of the plurality of portions of the channel. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the junction block further comprises a first feature proximate to the first opening that interlocks with a second feature on the base wall. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the junction block further comprises a first pin conduit and a second pin conduit configured to receive pins and are located proximate to the second opening of the junction block. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 10  further comprising a barb having a shape complimentary to the first one of the plurality of portions, and wherein the barb is configured to be inserted through the channel of the junction block to create a seal in an immune-isolation device or the junction block. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13  further comprising a barb plug having a shape complimentary to a second one of the plurality of portions and having a barb channel proceeding through the barb plug, wherein the barb channel is complimentary to the barb. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14  further comprising a barb pusher comprising a plunger configured to advance the barb through the channel. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a feature on the base bottom surface outside the cavity. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the feature is configured to be gripped by a human hand or interlock with an outside feature during transportation. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a plurality of ribs on the base wall inside the cavity. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 18  further comprising a support plate configured to rest on the plurality of ribs. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 19 , wherein the support plate further comprises at least one opening. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base bottom surface is slanted or has a single high point. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 1  further comprising an immune-isolation device comprising an inlet tube attached to a pouch, the inlet tube configured to be coupled the inlet conduit positioned on the base within the cavity.